As Peasedown St John’s Dorothy House outreach centre approaches its first birthday, the centre received some special guests last week.
A team of local councillors, charity fundraisers and community activists went along to meet the staff, and to find out what services are on offer.
Set up in 1976 in Bath, Dorothy House is a charity founded on the Christian principles of care, with services provided free of charge and with equal access to all.
Their work over the decades has meant thousands of people facing life threatening illnesses, death or bereavement can receive physical, psychological, social and spiritual support.
With a hospice based in Winsley, the charity has 27 shops across the region and outreach centres in Trowbridge and Peasedown St John.
Opened in April 2013 on the local business park, the Peasedown outreach centre runs support groups, wellbeing workshops and complimentary therapies such as reflexology, acupuncture, reiki and tai chi.
They also offer support to carers, giving advice on financial and practical issues.
Karen Walker, a councillor and founder of the Fund for Peasedown – which has been set up to support residents who have a terminal illness, went along to find out more.
She said: “As well as a wide range of services our local outreach centre is also a place where anyone can go along for a cup of tea, coffee, or just a chat. The relaxing environment makes anyone feel welcome as soon as they walk through the door.”
Karen was joined by fellow councillors David Walker and Nathan Hartley, and community activist Becci McCafferty, who has been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
Becci commented: “I found it a benefit and a relief just to go along and find out what help is available. Cancer is such a common illness that affects so many people.
“The work that Dorothy House is doing through their nurse specialists gives support to the whole family as well as the cancer sufferer – who are often overlooked but need support and advice too.”
Peasedown’s Dorothy House outreach centre holds a weekly coffee morning on Thursdays which anyone is welcome to attend.
Future plans include running a fundraising stall at this year’s Party in the Park festival and hiring allotment space.
Cllr David Walker is a member of the Peasedown Allotment Committee and will be working with other committee members to make space available.
He said: “The health benefits of gardening are well known. It can have a positive impact on physical, mental and emotional health and is useful in helping people with special needs, or the elderly and infirm, as well as those who have mental health problems, or who are recovering from physical illness.
“The physical exercise releases endorphins, which help to alleviate stress and its negative results. Research shows that simply spending time in a garden can help lower blood pressure.”
